The inaugural edition of the Sumadhura Centre Court Pickleball League opened to a packed arena in Bengaluru, drawing over 1,200 attendees and marking a strong start for the city’s first franchise-style pickleball league.
Hosted by the Rally Renegades, the opening matchday combined competitive action with a high-energy spectator experience. The home team secured a convincing 4–2 win over Mana BMR Smash Club, led by captain Sharmada Balu and vice-captain Gowtham.
In the other fixtures of the evening, Southern Primes defeated Nin9s 4–2, while Depot18 Chargers registered a 4–2 victory against Net Ninjas, setting the stage for strong rivalries early in the season.
Backed by title sponsor Sumadhura Group along with partners such as Labonel Fine Baking and Red Rhino, the league blended sport with a lifestyle-driven experience. Attendees enjoyed curated food and beverage spaces featuring Mezcalita, Monkey Bar, Mossant Craft Kombucha, and Minus 30, alongside fan engagement activities and a dedicated pickleball experience zone.
One of the highlights of the evening was a live halftime performance by Ved Prajapati, whose set added a unique cultural and entertainment element to the sporting event.
Speaking about the opening night, Yashwanth Biyyala, Co-founder, Centre Court Sports and Entertainment, said, “Opening night was exactly what we hoped this league would become – competitive on court, but just as alive off it. To see over a thousand people show up, stay through the matches, engage with the sport, and really own the space–it tells us that Bengaluru is ready for this. This isn’t just about pickleball. It’s about building a sporting culture that people want to be part of.”
The league also reflects the growing transition of pickleball from casual recreation to a more structured and competitive sporting format. Players including Sharmada Balu, Rishi Reddy, Rashein Samuel, Akash Wagh, and Prerna Pratap are among the emerging talents helping shape the sport’s presence in Bengaluru.
Looking ahead, the league will continue across multiple matchdays with different teams hosting fixtures, combining live sport with entertainment and community experiences. The next matchday on May 9 will be hosted by Southern Primes.
Speaking about the evolving identity of the league, Vikrant Rao, Co-founder, Centre Court Sports and Entertainment, said, “Each matchday is beginning to take on its own identity, shaped as much by the teams as by the audiences that show up for it. This isn’t just about pickleball. It’s about building a space the city wants to show up for.”
